Medical prison close to resuming admissions

Sunday

Jul 13, 2014 at 12:01 AM

STOCKTON - The California Health Care Facility in Stockton, built for the state's sickest prisoners, is expected to resume admissions of patient inmates within the next few weeks, correctional health officials say.

Jennie Rodriguez-Moore

STOCKTON - The California Health Care Facility in Stockton, built for the state's sickest prisoners, is expected to resume admissions of patient inmates within the next few weeks, correctional health officials say.

Intake of ill prisoners has been suspended for more than six months as officials fix problems with sanitation, medical care and other operational shortcomings since opening the facility in June 2013.

The prison, slated to eventually hold 1,722 inmates, was built to improve the quality of health care after a federal court found inmates were receiving subpar treatment, an injustice deemed unconstitutional.

But just six months after opening, medical admissions were halted amid reports of inadequate conditions.

Clark Kelso, a receiver appointed by the court to oversee prison health care until the state proves it's ready to resume the responsibility, made the decision and described the facility's shortfalls in a tri-annual report early this year.

He said the facility was unable to provide sufficient and timely hygiene and medical supplies to patient inmates, a problem that likely contributed to an outbreak of scabies among other health concerns.

The Prison Law Office, which has been monitoring conditions, brought the issues forward and reported failures in medical care.

Inmates were found to have diaper and catheter leaks, skin tears and other problems as a result of poor care.

Its report mentions a prisoner who was left overnight in his own feces and another inmate who died after his calls to medical staff went unanswered for a period of time, according to the advocacy group.

The temporary moratorium also applied to a 1,133-bed mental health wing that was completed in late March.

State officials have said that problems are expected in any new institution as it establishes procedures, but more so have risen in the Stockton prison facility because it is distinctive.

It is the largest prison medical center of its type in the nation.

Officials say they have been working together to fix the problems, making changes in leadership, hiring, providing more training and changing processes.

Rebekah Evenson, an attorney with the Prison Law Office, said the organization is scheduled to inspect the medical facility next week.

The law office has regularly toured it to monitor progress. Evenson said some of the same "significant problems" have persisted.

"Right now, we remain concerned about the quality of care that is being provided there," she said. But her office will have a more updated assessment after its upcoming visit.

"They've been very open and willing to work with us," Evenson said. "And we have a good working relationship."

In Kelso's latest tri-annual report, there was a change in his tone as he pointed to the facility's progress.

"The supply systems have been significantly improved with basic hygiene and patient inmate care supplies readily available," Kelso said. Although, he said the prison is still not using automated supply ordering systems that have been designed for the facility and still heavily relies on manual work and emergency orders.

His office, he said, "is impressed by the pace of improvement and the focus by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in acknowledging and partnering to resolve the deficiencies at CHCT.

"The gains, however, are fragile and will require additional time to become established and sustainable."

Kelso said food services have significantly improved, as well as clinical services.

Joyce Hayhoe, spokeswoman for the receiver's office, the California Correctional Health Care Services, said all clinicians have received training and a new head of health care has been hired at the facility.

Bob Edwards, a former Lassen County medical executive, was hired as chief executive officer for health care in June.

Hayhoe said the facility is close to resuming taking in patients, but she would not disclose an exact date.

The facility's budget to hire more correctional officers also received a $12.4 million boost this fiscal year.

Corrections officials have said the expanded resources would pay for 105.9 new positions, including 77 correctional officers. And the larger custody level would enable medical and clinical staff to focus on patient care.

"CDCR is continuing to work with the receiver's office to ensure the California Health Care Facility is ready to provide quality medical care to additional inmates," said Terry Thornton, deputy press secretary for the state corrections department.

Contact reporter Jennie Rodriguez-Moore at (209) 943-8564 or jrodriguez@recordnet.com. Follow her at recordnet.com/courtsblog and on Twitter @therecordcourts.